Analytical instruments, assemblies, and methods

Abstract

Analytical instruments configured to perform atmospheric pressure ionization are provided that are less than 50 kgs in total weight and/or less than 1 m 3 in total volume. Mass analysis instruments are provided that can include an interface vacuum structure operatively coupled between an ionization source and a vacuum region housing a detector. Mass analysis instruments are also provided that can include an ionization source coupled to an analysis region via an interface vacuum structure, with at least two independent vacuum components.

1. A mass analysis instrument comprising:
 a housing having sidewalls, the sidewalls of the housing defining an enclosed space of less than one cubic meter, the enclosed space containing all components of the instrument operable to perform mass analysis, wherein the housing and the components of the instrument have a mass less than 50 kgs; 
 within the space defined by the housing, an atmospheric ionization source operatively coupled to a drag pump; 
 within the space defined by the housing, a vacuum manifold operatively coupled to the atmospheric ionization source, the vacuum manifold including two regions, a first of the two regions configured to interface with the atmospheric ionization source, a second of the two regions operatively interfacing with the first region, the first region maintained at a pressure less than the source, the second region maintained at a pressure less than the first region; and 
 within the space defined by the housing, a mass analyzer within the second region. 
 
     
     
       2. The instrument of  claim 1  wherein the mass analyzer includes a cylindrical ion trap coupled to an electron multiplier detector. 
     
     
       3. The instrument of  claim 1  further comprising a skimmer operatively interfacing the first and second regions of the vacuum manifold. 
     
     
       4. The instrument of  claim 1  wherein within the space defined by the housing, a plurality of vacuum pumps are contained and operatively coupled to the ionization source and the first and second regions of the vacuum manifold, wherein at least two of the plurality of vacuum pumps are mechanically different. 
     
     
       5. The instrument of  claim 4  wherein one or more of the plurality of vacuum pumps is a turbo pump. 
     
     
       6. The instrument of  claim 4  wherein one or more of the plurality of vacuum pumps is the drag pump. 
     
     
       7. A mass analysis instrument comprising:
 a housing having sidewalls, the sidewalls of the housing defining an enclosed space; 
 within the space defined by the housing, an atmospheric ionization source operatively coupled to a drag pump; 
 within the space defined by the housing, a vacuum manifold operatively coupled to the atmospheric ionization source, the vacuum manifold including two regions, a first of the two regions configured to interface with the atmospheric ionization source, a second of the two regions operatively interfacing with the first region, the first region maintained at a pressure less than the source, the second region maintained at a pressure less than the first region; 
 within the space defined by the housing, a mass analyzer within the second region; and 
 within the space defined by the housing, a plurality of vacuum pumps are contained and operatively coupled to the ionization source and the first and second regions of the vacuum manifold, wherein at least one of the plurality of vacuum pumps includes the drag pump. 
 
     
     
       8. The mass analysis instrument of  claim 7  wherein the drag pump is operatively coupled to the ionization source. 
     
     
       9. The mass analysis instrument of  claim 7  wherein at least one of the plurality of vacuum pumps includes a turbomolecular pump, the turbomolecular pump being operatively coupled to one or both of the first and second regions. 
     
     
       10. The mass analysis instrument of  claim 9  wherein at least one of the plurality of vacuum pumps includes one or more diaphragm pumps, both the drag pump and the turbomolecular pump being backed by the one or more diaphragm pumps.